Aircraft Appearance Technician - MDW

Aircraft Appearance Technician

We are committed to providing our employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Job Description:

Want to help keep our planes clean, safe, and ready to fly? Aircraft Appearance Technicians at Southwest clean the inside and outside of airplanes, replace seat covers and aisle rugs, and tidy up tools and work areas. They work in places like the hangar where our planes are parked and maintained, or they work on the ramp, where planes are parked for customers to board for takeoff. They also drive vehicles to move equipment and follow safety rules to protect our teams and customers. This role is great for someone who enjoys working around aircraft, staying active, and being part of a team that helps flights run safely and on time.

Pay & Benefits:

Pay of $21.62 to $21.62 per hour*. With the opportunity for future increase per applicable collective bargaining agreement wage scale. Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.

Benefits you'll love:

• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
• Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan with company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings
• Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit
• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment

Additional details:

• This role is part of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which means pay, schedules, and other job details are set through an agreement with the labor union.
• Work schedules are based on seniority and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. There may be times when mandatory overtime is required to support flight operations, but there are also opportunities to trade shifts and find a schedule that works for you.
• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

Responsibilities:

• Cleaning, washing, and polishing the interior and exterior of airplanes, airplane parts, maintenance equipment, shops, and hangars
• Replacement of aircraft seat covers and aisle rugs on service checks, turnarounds, or through-flights
• The driving of motor vehicles, when necessary, in connection with the work of an Appearance Technician
• Carry out safety and/or security initiatives as directed by Southwest Airlines or the FAA
• Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed in this description
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must be able to read documents, follow instructions, learn, and understand operations procedures, rules, and regulations
• Must be able to perform well in a fast-paced environment, subject to adverse weather conditions, including extreme heat or extreme cold, as well as aircraft noise
• Must be able to be alert to moving vehicles or aircraft and use radio equipment as needed
• Must be able to communicate information and instructions in writing, verbally, or via radio equipment, as needed
• Must be capable of being trained on, as well as, operating a forklift and a tug
• Must be capable of being trained on, as well as, operating scissor and boom lifts at heights of up to 40 feet
• Must be able to easily climb up and down ladders, stairs, and stands while cleaning the interior and/or exterior of the aircraft, including times while washing and waxing the aircraft
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, holidays, and overtime

Education:

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience:

Licensing/Certification:

• Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. Driver's License
• Must have the ability to obtain a SIDA badge and meet local airport requirements

Physical Abilities:

• Must be able to work well in confined areas, reach, and stand for long periods of time while washing and waxing the aircraft
• Must be able to climb, kneel, squat, and sit in order to replace aircraft carpet and seat covers, and while performing cleaning tasks and other duties
• Must be able to lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds on a regular basis

Other Qualifications:

• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have the authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to comply with company attendance standards as described in established guidelines

*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

**401(k) match contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to plan's vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Pay Rate: $21.62

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.

Job Posting End Date 06/02/2026